Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when
double glazed window repairs-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be a problem 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 need to reconnect the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most of the time.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. 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 concern with old sash
window repairs, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash
window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when
double glazed window repairs near me and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed.