Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong 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. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs; use www.hanalamp.com, are necessary.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.