Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like 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, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. 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 internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
window repair is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive 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 the weights, as well as painting or staining 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 defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.