Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, upvc Repairs near me so you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple 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 great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window doctor and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary upvc Repairs near me to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.