Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazing repair-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs 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 can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair double glazing windows even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window repair near me as well to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when double glaze repair and triple windows are glazed and start to allow 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 by a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off 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 can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.