Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get 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 washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. 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.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window repairs again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows repairs near me professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and sash window repair increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will 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 that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop 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 direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.