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Sash Window Repair Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window. Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sticking Sashes It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. window repairs Grays of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence. A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and 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 at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it. 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 if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case. Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances. If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They can be 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. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage. Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove. Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed. As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs. Decay If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot. The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry. First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the “pocket covers” which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them off. 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 is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay. It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame. Poor Security Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed. Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components. Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset. Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.