Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your Double glazed window repairs-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems 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 accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and Double Glazed Window Repairs wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then put 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 costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored 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 moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. 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 a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution 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 may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.