Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts 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 get stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues 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. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, companies or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can 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 top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.
