Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash upvc window repairs tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove 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 significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window repairs and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the upvc window repair frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the upvc window repairs near me as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.