Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing 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 it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its get more info original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce more info draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of here wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the wood 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", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation check here and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin here to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

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