Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm 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 can increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

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

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or RepairMyWindowsAndDoors swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten 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. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood 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 position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. 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 guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under 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 window sash are needed.

Similarly, 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. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.