Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for cadplm.co.kr salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off 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 position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not 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 even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the upvc window repairs becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.