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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. 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. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep into the window repairs near me, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.