Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. 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 rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. Southgate window repair can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake 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 untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.