Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window repair near me. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed window repairs near me windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash upvc window repair may have to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may 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 can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.