Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems 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. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window repairs near me (Repairmywindowsanddoors Co link for more info) sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and Window Repairs Near Me repair any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause 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 particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through 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 get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the upvc window repair near me to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.