Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. window repairs can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.