Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become 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. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may 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 remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or website install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.