Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, 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 sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. double glazing Uxbridge can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.