Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing Redhill-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. 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 put 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 an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window repairs Deptford. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through 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 chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.