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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window. Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. double glazing Borehamwood 'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination. A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips. Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it. If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window. Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases. If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool. Draughts Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use. Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove. Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash. An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance. Decay The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay. The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry. First, 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). You'll then have to take off the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay. It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame. Poor Security Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window. In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement. It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement. A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset. This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.