Notes

The Leading Reasons Why People Perform Well In The Sash Window Repair Industry
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, 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. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available 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 still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/colchester-windowrepair/ won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.


A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to 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 carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.

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