Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or window repairs down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in 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 have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to 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 draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert 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 seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing repairs near me and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.