Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
window repair near me is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your 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 fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore 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 window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are 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. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.