Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pan by putting the double glazing repair Sidcup material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing repair ashford-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or 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 sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing Camden Town windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order 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 sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.