Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or window repairs on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the upvc window repair frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure 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). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash Window Repairs (Wood-Max.Co.Kr) are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

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

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.