Sash window repairs Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified by using the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout 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 that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

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

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the upvc window repairs near me becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair near me repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.