Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems 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 off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess glass repairs near me the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.