Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the upvc window repairs If this is the case.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

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

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash upvc window repairs are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from 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 "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.