Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or repairmywindowsanddoors online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, repairmywindowsanddoors and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window replacement without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window doctor. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or RepairMyWindowsAndDoors it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.