Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your Double Glazing Repairs Basingstoke-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for window repairs Basingstoke sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam 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.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple and Double Glazing Repair Reigate glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.