Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repair Hemel Hempstead-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Double glazing Basingstoke and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and Double glazing Basingstoke removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.