Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and door Repair noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, window repairs and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. 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 seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need 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 solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has 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 complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, window repairs you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer 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 shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from 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 addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.