Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by putting 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
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority of the time.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece 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 in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a 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 crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.
window repairs near me of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (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 side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.