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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, take off 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 position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and service 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 start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window repair near me to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, service the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve 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 efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.