Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could 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 window will have to be replaced.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. Billericay window repair can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.