Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of 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 has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the upvc window repairs near me in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy 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 in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window 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 windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window repairs near me to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.