Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 been accumulating. Make Chesham double glazing to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another reason for the jam could be the 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 the majority often.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' 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 stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need 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.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-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 inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.