Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of 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. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic 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 that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window 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 an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and double glazed window repairs have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove 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 position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window repair near me, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of 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 sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.