Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
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 a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to read more be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration read more they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid 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 the rail for meeting (this will depend on upvc windows repair the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to more info the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After 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 check the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from click here the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.