Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on 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. window repairs near me are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like 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 with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.