Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the 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.

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 been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the upvc window repair near me.

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 great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and Window Repairs rebalancing 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, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed window repairs near me windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.