Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or www.Repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. 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 meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window 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 lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window repairs Greenwich, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through 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 are effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, m1bar.com lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window repairs Whitstable that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.