Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. 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 unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. here The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of the 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 the possibility of draughts.