Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her upvc window repairs is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners 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 aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy 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 gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your Window Doctor draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically 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 degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location 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, must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window replacement near me to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned 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. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease draughts.