Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack 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 to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. Caterham double glazing repairs will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.