Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazed window repairs-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A upvc window repair that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps that surround your upvc window repair. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.