Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane 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.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. 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 put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window and Window Repair make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and Window Repair ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a 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 wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of upvc window repairs near me sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.