Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry off 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, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
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 a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
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 will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as 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 paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.