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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window. Pam will lay each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence. A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards. If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation. Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority often. If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage. Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. 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 reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove. Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed. As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency. Decay The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot. The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry. The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give 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'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should 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 in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. Beckton double glazing could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way. Poor Security Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary. In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components. Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work. This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of 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 efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.