Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs near me (link web page)-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window repairs where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.