Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, 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 can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have 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 are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your
window repairs's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and
window Repairs parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future 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 will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash
window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and
double glazing repairs glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
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. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash.
