Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues 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 sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom 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. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.
window repairs is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is 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 are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure 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 also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
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 to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
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. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.