Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. double glazing repair Wembley can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
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 reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean 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 position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.