Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be 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.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your sash upvc window repair frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or sash Window Repair a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash windows repair could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.