Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, upvc door repairs near me you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if upvc door repairs near me to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing near me glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.