Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered 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 very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash upvc repair near me the ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved 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. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.