Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or double glazing repair Huntingdon break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing Repair Huntingdon-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and Double Glazing Repair Huntingdon general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

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

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash Repair My Windows And Doors problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill 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.