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 keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
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 a professional in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can 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 placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. window repairs Hitchin is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.