Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A upvc window repairs that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window repair near me, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive 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 stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could 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

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double glazed window repairs and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.