Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved 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 away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can 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 could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot 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 smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not 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 balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the upvc window repair or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.