Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries 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 off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, Repairmywindowsanddoors which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window repair Derby frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, repairmywindowsanddoors improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

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 generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, repairmywindowsanddoors they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve 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 the risk of draughts.