Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. 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 been accumulating. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, window repair near me will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.