Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to door repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece 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 windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide 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 require a knife to get them loose. 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 the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window upvc door repairs near me are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.