Sash window repair (http://intranet.welfarebox.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=develop&wr_id=245339)

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a 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 stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using 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 hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide 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 drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window repairs components.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize 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 enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.