Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most times.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. Whitstable double glazing repairs shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.