Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repair Swanley-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling 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 because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will 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. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window repair Woking, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing Kentish Town glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or double glazing kentish town chains. A draught seal could 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 the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.