Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing Edgware-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and window repair Wellingborough you'll have to call a professional the majority times.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to break 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 old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window repair wellingborough. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazing Edgware glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve 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.