Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can 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 bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement 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 refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start window repair slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.