Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazed window repairs-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved 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 been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able to 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 be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over 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 drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and double glazed window repairs the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and double glazed Window repairs meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed window repairs windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.