Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should 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 Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, clean 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 position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.