Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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 use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window doctor or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window upvc repairs [helpful site] are necessary.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.