Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of double glazing repairs Coulsdon material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing Biggin Hill-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. 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 with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout 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 scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

double Glazing Repairs kilburn and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.