Sash upvc window repair Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. 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 is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or emergency in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or emergency dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.