Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from 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 use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better 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 continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then put 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 expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. window repairs near me could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.