Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. 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 damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.