Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your 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 are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off double glazing repair Macclesfield and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.