Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window repairs.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It’s a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They’ll rattle in the event of an icy storm, and you’ll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that’s too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that’s built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. You’ll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you’ll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin isn’t falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it’s a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you’ll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you’ve used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you’ll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It’s a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window’s life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It’s less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and 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 timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that you’ll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you’ll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced – an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows’ sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash’s or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.
