Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner 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 make them more gliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the repairing Upvc door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not 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 right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood 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 in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs to upvc windows are necessary.

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 by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

double glazed repair and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

One common window repair window issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.