Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it’s a nightmare. You’ll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window repair near me stop (the one inside) and the window repair frame. Then scrape off any paint that’s built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect 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 available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You’ll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you’ll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin doesn’t fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it’s a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It’s a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you’ll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you’ll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep 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 with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they’ll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you’ll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it’s an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash’s movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren’t damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you’ll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The “pocket covers” are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame’s side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

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 by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash’s or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.