Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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 paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best 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.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

double glazing and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.