(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpg)Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for lock repair Near Me a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The “pocket covers”, Door Repairman Near Me which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common sash window repair upvc window problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. 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 draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.