Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the 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 as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you 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 windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using door repair new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become 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 - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.