Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for 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 puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most often.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once Stanmore double glazing repair is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.