Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to upvc repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the Window doctor and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and Window Doctor rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may 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 in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.