Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during storms 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 could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of 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, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
window repair near me
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. 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 possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance 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 enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.