Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and 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 on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and 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 reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs 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 can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip 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'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide 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 require a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. window repairs near me marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.