Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repairs West Bromwich-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window repairs Dagenham, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have 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 general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash 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

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window repair Crystal Palace could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, window repair crystal Palace a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. 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.