Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved 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 been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of 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 faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.
window repairs can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of 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, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
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 applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip 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 will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.