Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of 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. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and push 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 is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip 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). You'll then have to remove 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 parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Kentish Town double glazing repair can be spotted 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.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.