Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start 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. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and 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 is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and Sash window Repair ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double glazing window repair and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your 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 typical sash window repair timber windows problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance 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 enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.