Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in most 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 may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
window repair are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop 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 identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem 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 the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.