Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for RepairMyWindowsAndDoors wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and repairmywindowsanddoors a little perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available at most home improvement stores, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any upvc door repairs near me to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.