Are You Getting The Most From Your Sash Window Repair

upvc window repairs can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept 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). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.
It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.