Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If double glazing repair Sutton Coldfield can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good 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 inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.