Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm 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. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After Oldham double glazing repairs has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.