Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket 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 get stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority times.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. window repairs has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.
