Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as 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, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazed repairs-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. 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 to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and window repairs can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window glass repairs and upvc window Repair make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and 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 taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require 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. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

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

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.