Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. 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 If this is the case.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able 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 block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive renovation 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 pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. 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 however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with 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 a sign of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize 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 sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.