Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, Double glazed window repairs most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through 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 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 it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when double glazed window repairs and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.