Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, repair window with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first step is to remove 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.