Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and Window repairs Enfield noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, window repairs Enfield but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window Repairs Welwyn Garden City frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window Repairs Enfield professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.