Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners 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 more smooth glide. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could 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'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of website wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying 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 become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your 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 the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.