Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be 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.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.