Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repair Weybridge-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then 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 then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many 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 issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats 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 timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and Double Glazing Repair Rushden not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing Repair Rushden glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

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