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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go 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 searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert 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. The liquid is quick drying and can repair double glazing damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the upvc door repairs and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair window any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean 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 on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the 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 is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when double glazed repair and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.