Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and 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 in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. 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 interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly 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 they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. window repair is possible 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides 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 probably need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.