Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident 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 resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. Deptford window repair will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.