Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.
Make use of 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 help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block upvc door repairs sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. 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 could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.