Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that 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 could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and repairmywindowsanddoors the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and repairmywindowsanddoors removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and Double Glazing Repairs Biggin Hill (Repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.Uk) decrease the risk of draughts.