Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, Repair My Windows And Doors causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can Repair My Windows And Doors damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll 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 with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the upvc window repairs.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, Repair My Windows And Doors however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. 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 in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.