Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and Double Glazing repair keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or Upvc Repairs Near Me on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Use a wood hardener 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 repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like 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 with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.