Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help 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 prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by 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 accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and 125.141.133.9 you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten 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 draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and Repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.Uk the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window doctor that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.