Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing Macclesfield-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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 accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or seals online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to 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 available at most hardware shops. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and seals bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce 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 sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.