Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber window repairs near me dry.
First, take off 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 next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.
Removal of 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. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.