Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazing repair Sutton-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either 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 caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or repairmywindowsanddoors by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 top and repairmywindowsanddoors bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window repairs Peterborough draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces 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). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. 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 recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

As time passes, 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 may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.