Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help 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 reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

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. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, timber filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of 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 removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been 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 the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required upvc door repairs near me to the sash window.

Over 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 also be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window repairs near me open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.