Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of 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, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to 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 altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, clean 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 side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. window repair can be spotted by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.