Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window repairs near me frames of your sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need 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 more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. 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 at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will 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.