Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, Double Glazing Repairs Edgware or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your Double Glazing Repairs Edgware-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window repairs Windsor that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior double glazing Repairs edgware one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of 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 a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority often.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then 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 is costly and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might 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 sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

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

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.