Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the upvc window repairs where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and window repairs the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become 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 swinging to the opposite side of the local window repair frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.