Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. 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 searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, window repairs near me of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority of the time.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as 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 size and put 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 costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. 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 that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide 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 probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication 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.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.
