Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window repairs near me becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with 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 solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window repairs or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming 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 persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.