Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it’s a nightmare. They’ll shake in the event of a storm and you’ll lose view. On the other hand, a window that’s too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. 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 for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it’s snapped. If this is the case, you’ll have to replace the window’s cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you’ll have to call an expert in most cases.
If a pin isn’t falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it’s a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It’s not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you’ve used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they’ll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It’s a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it’s a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash’s movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It’s less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home’s thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that sash upvc window repair near me frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is 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 down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they’re painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren’t properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash’s weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.
