10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Regarding Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your Double Glazing Bexley-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or Double Glazing Bexley swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from 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" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and double glazing Bexley then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely 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 inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window repairs Biggleswade, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

double glazing repair Biggleswade and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. 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 reduce draughts.