If You've Just Purchased Sash Window Repair ... Now What?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout 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 method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
double glazed windows repair -effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. 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 filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they 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 a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.