Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, window Repair and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or Window Repair with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door repair and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

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

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be 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 required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.