Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing Sutton Coldfield-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below 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. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could 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 side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, Window Repair Marlow you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window Repair Marlow 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 repairs to the sash window.

In the same way, 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 touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing repair Sutton Coldfield windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully 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 reduce the possibility of draughts.