Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung upvc window repairs near me gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

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

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, Window repairs cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more 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 using new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. 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 can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and Window Repairs decrease the risk of draughts.