Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing repair Welwyn Garden City-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and www.Repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections 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 sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing South Ockendon glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. 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 reduce draughts.