Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart 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 particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time glazing repair near me the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.