Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues 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. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take apart 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 particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

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

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve 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 damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be 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. Although it is possible to repair my windows and Doors damaged timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine 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're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.