Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
window repairs Colchester is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off 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" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve 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 enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.