Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should 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 using an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of 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's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the window and door repair near me tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off 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 the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.