Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window repair Cambridge.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or healthndream.com hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul you can have your sash window professionally 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, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may 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 sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, Repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.Uk you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, encoskr.com 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 weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible 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 is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.