Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, replacements you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After 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 the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, 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 stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the upvc window repairs or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.