Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks 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 she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during 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 get in around the upvc window repairs and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, Window Repairs you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed window repairs glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.