Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the upvc window repairs near me where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must 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 in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.