Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing Sutton-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the Window Repairs Farnborough frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in 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 may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly 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 can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing Aylesbury glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to 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 again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.