Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all 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 risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order 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 windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. window repair near me could be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.