Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing Marlow-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, double glazing Sutton Coldfield and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper 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 stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window repairs Aldershot frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazing Sutton Coldfield glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.