Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll 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 using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for repair Upvc windows example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your upvc window repairs near me. However, it's a long-term fix and Repair upvc windows 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 a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair upvc windows work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.