Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems 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. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. window repairs near me can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.
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 or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in 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 option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of 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 can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter the 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 clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.