Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to 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 altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve 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 damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a upvc window repairs which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or Sash Window repair an issue with the sash's 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 solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.