Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the upvc window repairs. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

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