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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. on the main page is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
on the main page of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.