Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can 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 will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs (visit the following webpage) are necessary.

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

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.