5 Tools Everyone Who Works In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Making Use Of

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills may increase.  double glazing repair Hillingdon  are not ideal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.