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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 salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window. Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance. Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards. If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this. Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances. If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool. Draughts Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time. A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove. Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed. An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance. Decay The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot. The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry. First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the “pocket covers” which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once double glazing Kilburn has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against 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 more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be 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 swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame. Poor Security As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced – an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary. Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components. It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could 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. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution. The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.