Sash Window Repair Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window. Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination. Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it. If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord. Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases. Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer. Draughts Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use. A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove. Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed. As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs. Decay The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot. The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry. First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the pocket covers which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably 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. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay. It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame. Poor Security As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window. Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement. It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement. A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution. Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. 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 reduce the risk of draughts.
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