Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

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

Take the caulking off of 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 use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.

Make use of 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 aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep 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 by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the upvc window repair near me or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.