Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at many 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 defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be 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 general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include 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's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. window repair is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. They can 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 are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.
