Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into 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 quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. window repairs milton keynes is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to 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 caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.
