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 sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. 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. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
window repairs for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's 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 sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides 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 to take them if they are fixed or painted. 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 has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at 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 happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.