Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use 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.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer 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 block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
window repairs are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
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 the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.