Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing Guildford-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or double glazing Repairs Ewell hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that 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 using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs 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 overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will 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 due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double glazing repairs Ewell and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. 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 cleaning the tracks, Double glazing repairs Ewell remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.