Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her upvc window repairs.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from 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 sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove 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 a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

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

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window doctor near me that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.