Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll face 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 the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within 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 can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash upvc window repair's components.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and Sash Window Repair cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.