Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed 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
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts 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 could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling click here one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce 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 improve the sash's operation and decrease draughts.