Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, double and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and 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's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your 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 allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck 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 to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or double a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash upvc window repairs near me's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.