Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do 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 buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window repair near me. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, 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 inside the upvc window repair the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the upvc window repair near me to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.