Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash upvc window repair frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.