Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing Greenwich-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep into the window and window repairs Hemel Hempstead make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and window Repairs hemel hempstead rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good 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 recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. 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 needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window repairs Hemel Hempstead may need to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.