Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm, 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 can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most often.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit 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 take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff 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 sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. window repair Maidstone are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are 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 for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.