Sash
Window RepairSash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
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-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out 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 they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs (
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Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when
double glazed window repairs and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using 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 the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.