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Sash Window Repair Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window. Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sticking Sashes If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence. Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved 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 accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put 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 cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards. If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. window repairs Croydon 'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case. Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority often. You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove. Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed. As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs. Decay The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot. The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry. The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay. It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window. Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components. It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement. A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset. The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. 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 also reduce the risk of draughts.