Then You've Found Your Sash Window Repair ... Now What?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If Stratford double glazing continues to stop it could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.
Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly 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 then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your 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 low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.