Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and Double glazing Leyton keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double Glazing Leyton-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most 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 hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor Double glazing Leyton imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). 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 a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must 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 in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing repairs Southend glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will 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 efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.