Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean Dunstable window repairs with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can find this at 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 the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult 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 to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent 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 on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce 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 improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.