Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. 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 efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for glazing repair fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off 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 next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.