Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems 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 off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

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

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. 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 solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom 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 easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your upvc window repair near me draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and blown rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from 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 that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. In time, Blown this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window repair near me may need to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.