Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, 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'll require the help of a professional most of the time.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is more info properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.