Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing repair Margate-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

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

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, Double glazing Repair margate you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly 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 you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window repair Hoddesdon frames. It can be used by itself 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 take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can 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

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. 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 double glazing Feltham and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some 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 remove any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.