Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into 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'll need to apply it several times over the course of 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 draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is here ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.