Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs near me (head to the Diggerslist site)-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

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

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the 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 the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general 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, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window repair near me may need to be replaced.

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

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.