Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and timber keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught 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 meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to reopen the window repairs and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

double glazed window repairs and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.