Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove window repair near me caulking from 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 sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.