Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for window repairs scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window repairs near me draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, window repairs wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.