Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.
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 allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied 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 block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. window repairs could slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem 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 an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing 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 applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve 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 sash's operation and also reduce draughts.