Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or Sash Window Repair nuts 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 helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it’s a nightmare. They’ll rattle during an icy storm and you’ll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you’ll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there’s not a pin. It’s a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you’ll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, sash window repair worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They’re effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you’ll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it’s an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It’s less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home’s thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your windows’ sash frames aren’t in need of repair if they’ve been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the “pocket covers” which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they’re painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash’s weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren’t properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, 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 common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash’s ratchets. If the problem is with the sash’s rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash’s sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.