Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps 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 will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most of the time.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even 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 bouncing to more info the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.