Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her
window doctor near me.
Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material 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 your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 away any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash
upvc window repairs, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or
repairs strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten 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 off 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. 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
repairs to the sash window are required.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint.