Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed by using the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and window repair lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround 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 reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash upvc window repairs's seal or window repair replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.