Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If window repair near me is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.