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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window. Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sticking Sashes It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not 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 build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips. Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards. If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window. A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often. If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able 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 be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more 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 foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove. Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash. An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs. Decay If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot. The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber 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). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay. It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way. Poor Security Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required. In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement. Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough. The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. double glazing repair Northampton will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.