Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling 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, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from 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). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash upvc window repairs (click here for more)'s components.

It can be a real concern when double glazed window repairs and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or uPVC window repairs it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and UPVC window repairs sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.