Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by 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 built up. 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 then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window replacement will require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.