Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. 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.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window repair Sunbury-on-Thames in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and Repairmywindowsanddoors can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, Repairmywindowsanddoors in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the 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 that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window repairs Sunbury-on-Thames becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or repairmywindowsanddoors dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.