Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up 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.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more 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 found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your 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. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, 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 guard against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Canvey Island double glazing repairs marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It is a major 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 window could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as 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 paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.