Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of double glazing repairs Aldershot material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazing Sutton Coldfield-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. 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 has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or double glazing rochester online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of 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, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is 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 by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Double Glazing Rochester and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, double glazing Rochester and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using 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 box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.