Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should 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 windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is 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 reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult website to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that 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. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.