Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs near me-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it’s an absolute nightmare. You’ll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that’s too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. 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. Then scrape off any paint that’s built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you’ll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn’t easy to fix, and you’ll need to contact an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there’s no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won’t have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you’ve used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or Window Repair by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They’re effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the upvc window repair near me frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you’ll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it’s a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window repairs again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It’s much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home’s thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your windows’ sash frames aren’t in need of repair if they’ve been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you’ll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame’s sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they’re painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren’t balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window’s seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash’s rattles. If it’s the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash’s sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash’s operation and reduce the risk of draughts.