Sash Window Repair Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window. Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sticking Sashes If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance. Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as 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 more smooth gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards. If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation. A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often. If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated 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. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove. Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed. A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance. Decay If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot. The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry. The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the pocket covers which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay. It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction. Poor Security As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required. Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional is required 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 sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option. One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution. Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning window repair , remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. 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 decrease draughts.
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