Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your upvc window repairs. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally, 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 windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

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

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double glazed window repairs near me (writes in the official Peatix blog) and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

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