Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. window repairs Walsall marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be 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 necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. 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 a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.