Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope 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 double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow 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 require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.