Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung upvc window repair near me becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow 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 using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is 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 draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash upvc window repairs near me repair work.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed window repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash upvc window repair near me repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. 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. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.