Sash windows can get out of balance and 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 searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If window repairs is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve 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 is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional 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. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.
