Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once upvc windows repairs near me is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
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 in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.