Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazing repairs near me-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath 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 aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and 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. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, Window Repair or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and Window repair general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repairs repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.