Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

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

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, uPVC window repairs and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window repairs or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the upvc window Repairs becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. 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 also reduce draughts.