Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. 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 strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger 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 top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every 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 as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. window repair near me can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.