Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like 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 costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is 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 roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash Repair My Windows And Doors to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over 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 consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be a real 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 windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.