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 the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazed window repairs-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. 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 on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around your window repairs near me. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door 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 new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away 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 stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.