Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your Double Glazing Repair Weybridge-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and double glazing repair Weybridge air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

double glazing repairs Basildon and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.