Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazed window repairs-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority often.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering 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. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.