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Sash Window Repair Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced. Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence. A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. window repair Coulsdon is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards. If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case. Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times. If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer. Draughts Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use. A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert 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 must be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window. Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash. As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency. Decay The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot. The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry. The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay. It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window. Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement. Double 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 back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option. A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough. This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.