Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan 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.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double glazing Colchester-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window repair Biggin Hill's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your 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 the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away 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 sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood 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 location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, Double Glazing Colchester or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.