Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards 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 in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish 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 great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, take off window repairs near me from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.
