Sash Window Repair Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, 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 prevents drafts and costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence. Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards. If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window. A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances. If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece 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 winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use. A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window. 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 however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed. As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs. Decay If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood rot. The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry. First, take off 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 pocket covers, which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay. It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction. Poor Security Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected 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 required sash window repair work. Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components. It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset. Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.
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