Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 upvc window repairs. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or sash window repair hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick 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'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 the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling 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 from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, Sash Window Repair rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash needs to 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 windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove 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). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.