Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another 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 need to call in a professional the majority times.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
window repairs near me of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.