Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it’s an absolute nightmare. You’ll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that’s too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at many 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 a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You’ll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you’ll require the help of a professional most often.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there’s no pin. The liquid is quick drying and window repair can restore damaged wood. It’s not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you’ve used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window repairs, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they’ll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows’ lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It’s less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the «pocket covers» that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash’s weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced — a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash’s rattles. 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 the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash’s box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.