Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of 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. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically 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 constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's website side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.