Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.