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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the 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, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, 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 help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
double glazing repair Bow of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. 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 reduce the risk of draughts.