Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and window Repairs Near Me can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around 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 found in many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

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

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and upvc door repairs near Me painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any upvc door repairs Near me to the sash window are required.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of 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 decrease the risk of draughts.