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Sash Window Repair Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window. Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance. Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it. If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window. Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times. If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time. A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove. Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed. An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs. Decay If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot. The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry. First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. 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 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 weights within the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame. Poor Security Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. window repair Hackney is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed. As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components. Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced. A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset. The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.