Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and sash Window Repair even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazed window repairs-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find 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 jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

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

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the upvc window repairs to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.