Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. On window repair near me , windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched 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 even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to clean 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage 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 swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. 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 the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.