Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted 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.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and Sash Window Repair a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece 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, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings 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 may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing window sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.