Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

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

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the upvc window repair. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly 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 that will help them slide better. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy 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 swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window repairs frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your upvc window repair's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the upvc window repairs near me.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

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 typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any 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 may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

One common upvc window repair repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.