Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing repairs-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

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 by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and window repairs can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use 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 a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.