Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take 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 buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window doctor. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window upvc repairs near me are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.