Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

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

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, replacements cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant 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 inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

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. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window Repairs Barking sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve 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 enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.