Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by placing 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, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should 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 a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may 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'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by taking check here the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.