Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the upvc window repair frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. 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 with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and window repairs bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your upvc window repair near me. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

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 could indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.