Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, Double glazing repair Stratford wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your Double glazing repair Stratford-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, 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 off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is 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 stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing Dorking glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.