Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your upvc window repair sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper 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 will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs (mouse click the next article) are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully 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. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.