Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can 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 whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. 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 complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. Bexley double glazing repairs can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the finish of 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 also reduce the possibility of draughts.