Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as 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 prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the upvc window repairs stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of 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. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window Doctor if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.