Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most often.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to 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.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. 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. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when double glazing near me and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved 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 could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.