Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the upvc window repairs near me if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has 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, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not 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 cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window repair near me components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.