Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and replace a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and replace apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a 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.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent 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 applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the upvc window repairs again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.