Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your 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 fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.