Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for 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 improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs (Www.repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.Uk) are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the upvc window repairs becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for window repairs worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.