Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it throughout 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 draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.