Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions 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 spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. 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 also reduce draughts.