Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

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

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or upvc door repairs near me decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or upvc door repairs near me damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

One common window door repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by taking off 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. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.