Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

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 allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a 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 can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window repairs near me becoming soft. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common sash upvc window repairs repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.