Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the upvc door repairs near me and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and upvc door repairs near me stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

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

It can be a real concern when double glazing near me and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

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