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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window. Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence. A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips. You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards. If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window. A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time. Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool. Draughts Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time. Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window. Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash. A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance. Decay The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot. The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry. The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the “pocket covers” which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay. It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. Iver double glazing repair can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame. Poor Security Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced – a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work. Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement. Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option. One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again – or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset. This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.