Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, double glazing near me and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick 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 air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit 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 are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair near me repair work.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.