Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repair-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your local window repair. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have 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 side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, 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 necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for Home worry if 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 issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order 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 to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.