Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 200

1 Ease sticking parts
Damaged or broken sash cords
1 Replace protruding screws
2Shim a hinge
3Tighten screws
Gain a hinge
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
203
DAMAGED SASH WINDOWS

1 Ease sticking parts

• If a sash window sticks a little, rub a candle on to the sliding parts and put oil on the pulleys.
• If the window is sticking badly, it is likely that a joint has dried out and needs repairing( p. 202).
Rub candle wax against the recess

2

Damaged or broken sash cords

• If the sash cords have broken, so that the top window crashes
down, you will need to get them removed and replaced.
• In the meantime, you can make the window safe by using lengths
of wood to wedge it shut.
• Replacing sash cords is not easy or a job for the amateur because
replacement cords must be fitted with the correct weights. Get a window repairer to do the job for you.
BADLY FITTING HINGES

1 Replace protruding screws

• Check the hinge screws. If the heads are protruding, a door or
window will not close properly against the frame. Try screwing them in more tightly.
• If this is unsuccessful, replace any protruding screws with smallerdiameter, longer screws.

2Shim a hinge

• If a hinge is recessed too far into the frame, the door or window
will not close properly.
• Take the door or window off its hinges and remove the hinge.
• Shim the recess with a piece of card the same size as the hinge.
• Replace the hinge and rehang the door or window.

3Tighten screws

• If a hinge is too loose, the door or window will not hang properly.
Tighten loose screws or replace them with longer screws.

4

Gain a hinge

• If a hinge is insufficiently recessed into the frame, the door or window will not close properly.
• Take the door or window off its hinges and remove the hinge.
• Use a wood chisel to carefully cut a deeper recess for each affected hinge, then replace the hinge.
Enlarge the hinge recess