Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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 your double glazing near me-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority often.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or window repairs draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of 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, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window repairs frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.