Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes 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 will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the 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.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash upvc window repairs frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, double glazing it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and UPVC Window Repairs increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have 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 on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and fitters then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.