Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and double glazing repair Dorking reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazing Reading-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has 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 windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

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

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

double glazing repair Dorking and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.