Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams, there could be a problem 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 re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. window repairs can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.