Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 off any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the door repair clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance 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.