Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair a door your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.
