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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her upvc window repair is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it’s a nightmare. They’ll rattle in the event of a storm and you’ll lose view. On the other side, a window that’s too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you’ll need to replace the window’s cord.

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 a professional most of the time.

If a pin hasn’t fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it’s a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you’ll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you’ll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you’ll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on 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 a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren’t necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The “pocket covers” are tiny pieces of wood on the frame’s side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they’re fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot 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 stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren’t properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the upvc window repair to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.