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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window. Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence. A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it. If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord. Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases. If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove. Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to 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 may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost. Decay If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot. The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry. The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The “pocket covers” are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay. It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way. Poor Security Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window. As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. window repairs Northampton will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement. Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work. This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.