Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting an edging rope 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 be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece 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. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
As time passes, 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 is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.
One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If window repairs Staines is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off 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 to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.