Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore window repair near me needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a general overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can 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 dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.