Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and 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 seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the upvc window repairs near me frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting 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 could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and Window repairs have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good 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 in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under 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 sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. 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 sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.