Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. window repair Bexley is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash 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 solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.