Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash upvc window repairs frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the upvc window repairs.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive 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 in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could 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 will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.