Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

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

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window repairs near me and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove 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 location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.