Sash Window Repair

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

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

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

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window Repair Islington. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window repair Richmond and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could 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 that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, window repair Islington and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

A typical window repair Herne Bay repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, window Repair Islington then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. 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 the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.