Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved 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's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at 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 defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window repair near me where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the upvc window repairs near me, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the upvc window repair near me again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The “pocket covers” are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a upvc window repairs that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg)
