Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted 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 internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many 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 an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most of the time.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a general overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. window repair near me will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to remove 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become 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 needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.