Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and Double glazing repairs sashes. This will bring the sash back 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, improve the thermal performance, double glazing repairs and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing repairs (visit the next website) windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.