Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. 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 cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window repairs may require replacement.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the upvc window repairs near me to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.