Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean 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 move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to 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 are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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 next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down 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 out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a 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 recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be window repair near me very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.