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 scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. 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 make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your upvc window repairs near me. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window repairs near me sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, Window Repairs parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.