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Sash Window Repair Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced. Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination. Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks. Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips. You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores 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 the jam could be that a 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 of the time. You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer. Draughts Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do 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 from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy 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 reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash. As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance. Decay The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay. The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry. The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once window repairs Camberley is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay. It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame. Poor Security Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required. Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement. Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement. A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough. This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.