Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries 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'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but 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 fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be glazing repair required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.