Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass repairs near me and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, upvc door Repair near me causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in 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 make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window repairs. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, handle parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted 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.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.