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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by 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 upvc window repair. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

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