Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. 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 looks for replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
window repairs near me that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
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 on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. 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 it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.