Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, window repairs or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After 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 with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash upvc window repairs near me, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried 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 properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

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

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, Window Repairs take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.