Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing 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 however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, replaced which permit access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

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 worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.