Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of 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 may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Remove the old caulking from 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. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your upvc window repair. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and sash Window repair pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option 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 staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

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

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

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

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.