Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing Coulsdon-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available 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 defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, double Glazing Dartford but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window repairs Esher and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, Double Glazing Dartford improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed 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, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time, the bottom rails may also 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 will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when Double glazing Dartford and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.