Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can 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 a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window repairs Waltham Cross.

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 an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing repairs Rushden glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.