Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A upvc window repair that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to 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 the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

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

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for window repairs fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After 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 check the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.