Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing repairs Wellingborough-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. 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 accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or double Glazing Repairs Macclesfield hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, 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 proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or Double glazing repairs Macclesfield glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.