Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her upvc window repairs.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. 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.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash upvc window repair, especially during the 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. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can 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 must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, Window Repair sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.