Sash Window Repair Sash windows can be out of balance or even 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 seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced. Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance. Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it. If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window. Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances. Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage. Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove. Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective 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 re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash. As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance. Decay If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot. The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry. First, clean 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 pocket covers, which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay. It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required. Similarly, over window repairs at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components. It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option. A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset. Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.
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