Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues 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. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally 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.
As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered 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 start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs window repairs near me to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the 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 on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.