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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and window repairs determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help 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 they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good 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 check the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if 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. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the upvc window repair near me could be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce 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.