Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even 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 provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, Window Repairs you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with 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 touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.