Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly 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 timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, window Repair they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair (my company) work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the upvc window repair becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.