Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazing window repairs-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence.

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

Remove the old caulking from 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 use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and Repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them off. 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 wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

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

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.