Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go 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 seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and 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 function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may 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 will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.