Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window repairs.

Pam will lay each pane 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.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved 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. Then scrape away 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.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most times.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll 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 using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. 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 again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, Window Repair but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for window repair sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash upvc window repair repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.