Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in 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 place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. window repair near me can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could 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 fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from 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'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.