Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for Window Repairs Streatham replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazing Chingford-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround 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 have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from 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 very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer 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 help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window repairs Streatham as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, window repairs Streatham with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

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