Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing Folketone-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most 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. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to Repair My Windows And Doors your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that 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 a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily 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 restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, 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 "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling 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 become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or Repair My Windows And Doors an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.