Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from 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 sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. 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 break 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 cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or repairmywindowsanddoors replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.