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 searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, window repairs near Me or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window Repairs near me stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window repairs frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot 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 prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to 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 can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.