Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing repairs near me-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

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

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and window repair place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and Window repair sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow 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 likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

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

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming 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. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.