Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window repairs that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting 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 windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash window repairs are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and Window Repairs it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.