Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of 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 faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the 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 expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. 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 an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
First, take off repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.