Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents 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 sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. window repairs near me will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.