Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works 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 in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority times.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered 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 revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. window repairs will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.