Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and window Repair keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because 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 by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Window Repair Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

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

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter, window repair then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, 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 remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.