Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If window repairs is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease 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 reduce the risk of draughts.