Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away window repair service that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however 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. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.