Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", Double Glazing Repair Reigate which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair Basingstoke repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.