Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted 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 one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the upvc window repair near me where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the 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're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

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

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter, Window Repair then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.