Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting 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

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your upvc window repairs near me. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and sash window repair recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window 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 problems with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.