Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the Window repairs East Grinstead 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 plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and window repairs East Grinstead pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, Window repairs East Grinstead while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces 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). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing Oldham glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.