Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. 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 been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in 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 usually caused by rotten wood, broken 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 that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from 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 side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. window repairs near me can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.
