Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved 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 window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

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 great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and window repair rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the upvc window repairs frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

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

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.