Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the upvc window repairs near me stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the 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 purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your 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 need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can 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 is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, 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 problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.