Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used 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 major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. window repair , but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk 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 in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.