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 out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting an edging 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 in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and Window Doctor you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

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

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. 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. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window doctor (www.repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.uk).

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash upvc window repairs frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.

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 could indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease 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 improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.