Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located 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 an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of 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 faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. Read More On this page is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to 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 by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. Read More On this page could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.
