Undeniable Proof That You Need Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority often.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window repair near me, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window 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 of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. 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 lessen the risk of draughts.