Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses 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 help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by 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. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the
upvc window repairs, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash
upvc window repair near me frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your
upvc window repairs near me draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the
window repairs near me frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash
window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common sash
window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.
