Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open 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 will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you should 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 windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by window repair or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff 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 the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on 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 box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.