Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. window glass repair near me 's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery 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 in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. 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 rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.