작성일 24-04-27 09:18

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and 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 hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or double glazing Wimbledon washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

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 frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

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

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, Double glazing Wimbledon and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing Wimbledon windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window repairs Dorking could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved 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. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility 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 improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.