Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. 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.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available 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 jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your upvc window repairs near me without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your upvc window repair near me draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed window repairs near me glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can 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 draughts.