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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, window doctor you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window Doctor frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied 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 draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs 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 comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window doctor repair work.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.