Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. window repair near me reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and 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. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent 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 applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully 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 can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.
