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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and sash Window Repair oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and 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 sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing 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 are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat 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 in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash windows repair may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.