Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung upvc window repairs becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or sash window repair swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break 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 cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

One 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 rattles. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

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