Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window repairs Bexley's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and 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 could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the Window Repairs Kilburn the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, Window Repairs Kilburn which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.