Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be fixed by using the appropriate 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, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

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

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the upvc window repairs frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, sash Window repair parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or Sash window repair be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by taking off 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. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.