Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer 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 draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your upvc window repairs near me frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.