Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally 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 function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A typical sash upvc window repair repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, broken take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.