Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it’s a nightmare. They’ll sway during storms and you’ll lose view. On the other hand, a window that’s too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren’t ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. You’ll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you’ll have to consult an expert in most instances.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there’s no pin. It’s a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you’ll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the upvc window repairs, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they’ll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It’s a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash Upvc Window repairs frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window’s life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that 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 repairs. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every 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 can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of 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 addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you’ll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash’s weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren’t balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or upvc window repairs even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and Upvc window repairs chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.