Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to 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. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

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

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your upvc window repairs near me. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could 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" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. 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 protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.