Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used 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 with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If window repair near me is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead 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 enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.