Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if 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 the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.