Sash windows can get out of balance and break. our website is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of 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 set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with 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 by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber 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 rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted 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 repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If window repairs near me is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.
