Sash Window Repair

(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg)Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted upvc window repair tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get 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 expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash upvc window repair frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the ”pocket covers” which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window repairs or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window repairs to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.