Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing Northampton-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to 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 place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most often.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will 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 wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

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

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, 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 becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or window repair Basildon replacement of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing Repairs Brentwood glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.