Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her upvc window repair is balanced.

Pam will set 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.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and Window Repairs the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and Window repairs will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, 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 a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the upvc window repair becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.