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 hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as 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, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used 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 with an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could 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 double glazing repairs allow access to the weights, must be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.