Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, 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 could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once double glazing New Addington has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert 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. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce 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 also reduce draughts.