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 seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by putting 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

It's a nightmare when your double Glazing Stratford-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and double Glazing Stratford 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take 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 can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and 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 costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window repairs Reading. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove 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 on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take 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. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for double glazing Stratford weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then 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 draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.