Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

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

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

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

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority often.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term 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 the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a upvc window repairs fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal 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, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that 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 prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.