Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and 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-based lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and fitting you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. 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 applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the upvc door repairs near me and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. 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 many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing near me and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.