Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. window repair near me that is too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. 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 draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.