Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected 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. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
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 in an expert most often.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is 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 way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the glass repairs hardware. It could be necessary 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. 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 typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve 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 reduce the risk of draughts.