Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels 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 repairs Hatfield stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it 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. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film 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 even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.uk lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and 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 a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, chunwun.com or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.