Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazed window repairs near me-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available 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 whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.