Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open 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 beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs Colchester-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

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

Take the caulking off of 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. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or Double glazing Ascot warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, double glazing Ascot and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. 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 applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

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

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double Glazing ascot glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

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