Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double Glazing repair Gravesend-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, window repairs Wembley and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution 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 up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window repairs Wembley professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.