Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will lay 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
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to 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. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
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 hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of 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 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 thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. window repair will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.
