Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.
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 liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. window repairs could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce 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 improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.