Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window replacement's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the Window Doctor, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, Window Doctor and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning 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 at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, Window Doctor and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and Repair My Windows And Doors enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.