Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and replacement place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll 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 apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window repair Peterborough, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

double glazing repairs Peterborough and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

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 an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.