Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from 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. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the
upvc window repairs near me, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash
upvc window repair near me repair work.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common sash
window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts.