Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every 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 may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove 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 low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the upvc window repairs near me too, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double 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 likely need to be replaced by a different option.

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

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.