Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able repairs to double glazing remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows repairs near me become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair a door that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair a window work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.