Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazing near me-hung window gets stuck and Window repairs shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and Window repairs then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door repair and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit 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'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.