Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. 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 doctor. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the upvc window repairs, just click the next post,, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.