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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window. Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance. Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it. If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation. A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of instances. If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer. Draughts Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time. Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove. Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed. A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. double glazing repairs Walthamstow could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency. Decay The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot. The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry. The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay. It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way. Poor Security Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window. In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement. It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced. A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset. This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.