Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

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

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window doctor frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and Repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.Uk chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, gurye.multiiq.com and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window doctor. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will 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 evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to clean 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.