Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved 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. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, window repairs Canvey Island you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through 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. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

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 typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's 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

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs Canvey Island repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

double glazing repair St Albans and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.