Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After 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 inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
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Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with a professional 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. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be placed 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 box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.