Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window repairs becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the upvc window repairs frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that 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 repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the upvc window repair or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.