Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every 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 new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window repairs near me as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.