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 open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most often.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
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 sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want 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 good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. window repair near me A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.