Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically 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 timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from 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). You'll then have window and door repair near me to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, 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. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.