Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught 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 keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most often.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again throughout 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 wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed 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, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
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 typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.