Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or RepairMyWindowsAndDoors nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window doctor. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window doctor professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from 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", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not 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 vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead 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.