Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, window repairs which means you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the upvc window repairs, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore 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 the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are 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 can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed window repairs glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could 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 possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.