Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could 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 hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The website timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be read more restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of here wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. here Once the filler has dried it is website recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.