Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most times.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
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. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although Wythenshawe double glazing is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off 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 the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.