Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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 that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood door repair filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.