Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority often.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position 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 down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which 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 required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If window repair is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may 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 box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.