Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. window repairs near me prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to 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 use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With window repairs can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off 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 with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.
