Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your 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 however they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
window repair near me that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry 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 can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood 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 that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.