Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved 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 built up. Make sure you employ 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 a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.
If Gravesend double glazing repairs isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets 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. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under 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 needed sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.