Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved 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 been accumulating. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side click here of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.