Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A upvc window repairs that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from 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. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally, 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 better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.