Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the upvc window repairs near me frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has 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 comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the upvc window repairs near me sash are needed.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.