Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or window doctor nuts to balance her upvc window repairs.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window doctor stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and 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 to aid in their smoother movement. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove 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). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will 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 improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.