Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, installed then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the upvc window repair where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.