Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or double glazing repair Mitcham even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your Double Glazing Watford-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

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 or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, 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 pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break 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 wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or Double Glazing Repair Mitcham pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double Glazing Repair Mitcham and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can 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 the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.