10 Signs To Watch For To Get A New Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be extremely damaged from age and neglect. While cosmetic damage is likely to need to be repaired however, functional issues in a window, such as draughts and rattles indicate the window's repair is required.
First, steam the sash in order to loosen it. Take off the wood pegs using a hammer and pin punch. Note and label all the components to ensure they can later be replaced in the correct manner.
Broken or Rotten Timber
If left unattended, rotting timber can start to erode brickwork and damage the plaster around the window. The good news is that a lot of the time, this can be rectified without the need to replace the window completely.
The first thing to be done is to make sure that the timber in the issue is dry. Check the color and grain of the wood to determine if it's damp-free. If the wood appears soft and brown it's likely that rot is already present. It is also important to determine whether the sash is held in place by a series of spliced sections of timber and that they are solid and not affected by damp.
Moisture trapped in the corners of sash frames is another common problem. This can cause the sash to become stuck and difficult to open. To resolve this issue clean the sash channel and remove any obstructions using the sharp edge of a chisel. Once the sash channels have been cleaned free of debris and dirt, they can be primed to stop future problems with damp.
Finally, it's also worth looking into the wood used to make up the window frame. It is best to select wood that is similar in grain and colour to the pieces of wood that are currently in use otherwise it could be difficult to join the joins together. It's also worth looking at using a preservative for the timber, as this can help to keep it in good condition and avoid the possibility of rot.
If the wood in your sash windows is very damaged and rotten it may be wise to think about replacing them completely. If sash window repair decide to replace it then it is important to select an alternative that's of the same design that your windows are to ensure that it's as appealing once it's installed in your home. The choice of UPVC instead of timber for example, could potentially lower the value of your home since potential buyers might believe that you have gone against period design choices.
Sash Hardware is faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is constructed to glide effortlessly, but often wood rot and other problems can affect its functionality. A window that is not functioning properly could also cause drafts in the home and the loss of energy efficiency. The longer you do not keep a sash-window in a secure location and it wears out faster. This can shorten its lifespan drastically and could result in water or moisture infiltration.
If a sash window isn't functioning properly it can be frustrating and difficult to pinpoint the root of the issue. In many instances replacing the sash could be the solution. Whether the issue is caused by rotting timber, a misalignment or imbalance of the sash, or broken glass replacing one or both windows can help solve the issue.
Replacing a single sash of a window is less costly than replacing the entire frame and glass. It can also be simpler than installing a brand new double-hung window, which requires the removal of a larger amount of trim and components. If you want to replace a sash within your home, a good way to start is by visually taking a look at the existing window and frame. You may notice gaps or misalignments that can cause the sash to slide down and hinder it from staying up.
In most cases it is possible repair a double-hung sash if you remove the trim and work from the inside. It is best to first take off the stopper in the interior of the sash that creates a track inside the window at the bottom. Spray a hose of water over the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then pry the stop off using the help of a utility knife. Then, you can make use of a razor blade cut off any nail heads sticking out of the side of the stop.
Once you've removed the sash and frame, you can look for an access panel for weights, which is a knockout inside the frame large enough to allow the weight of a sash through. If your frame doesn't have one, you can create an opening by cutting a rectangle of the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.
Faulty Sash Weighs
Over time, the two weights that move the sash up or down can become disconnected. This could cause the sash to jam or get stuck in an open position. This is due to broken or worn-out cords for sash that must be replaced.
During this repair job it is essential to spread dust sheets as possible to prevent any dirt or debris from reaching your furniture or carpet. This is particularly crucial if you intend to move and lift the window during work to avoid damaging any part of your home.
Start by carefully removing each of the staff beads from the frame on either side with a small, broad chisel. There will be a groove that runs down the sash's side and finishes with a hole for the new sashcord. Take out any knots from the old cord nailed or glued into the hole.
Now it's time to begin replacing the sash cords, beginning with the top sash. To accomplish this begin by lowering the sash gently until it hits the bottom sill. Hold it up with the wood on either side of the frame. Otherwise it could fall on the floor, breaking the glass.
Then, remove the access panel from the frame and then retrieve the sash cable and sashweight. Once you have the weight take the dado from the edge of the wood, and insert a nail to hold it. Make sure to use a nail that's long enough to reach the pocket of the sash otherwise it won't be able to fit.
After you have placed the weight, you can replace the sash by putting the cord through the hole. Then, you can push the sash up onto the rails and down into the window box. check how it opens and closes, and then add more lubrication to the rails if required (we recommend candle wax for wood, or silicone spray for vinyl).
Replace both cords. Make sure they're of the same length, so that when you remove one from the pin, it can slide through the sash and rest on the pulley, allowing the sash to function normally. After the sash has been hang again, you can put it back on the stop bead and your sash is complete!
Glass damaged
A stray baseball or broom handle or an errant pebble thrown by a lawnmowers are usually enough to break a window pane. Broken glass can allow rain, snow, and even insects to enter your home. In some instances the resultant damage could necessitate a complete window replacement. However, replacing windows is a significant, costly home improvement project. In the majority of instances, replacing damaged windows can be a much more manageable and less expensive alternative.
It is important to inspect the existing sash thoroughly before attempting to replace the glass. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover any hidden areas in which the wood has begun to rot, or where the weather stripping, glue and hardware have become damaged. This test will save you time and money in the near future.
After removing the glass it is a good idea to get the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. To make it mix equal parts mineral spirits and Linseed oil. Once mixed, apply the mixture on the sash's surface with a putty knife and let it dry completely. This will ensure that the new glass and sash is waterproof and durable for a long time.
If the sash is in good working order it is possible to repair it without taking off the glass. The first step is to take off the window stop, which is a vertical piece of wood located above the stiles of the window frame. It is typically fixed by a small pry bar over a stiff-bladed putty knife. After you have removed the stop, you can separate the stiles and rails with a woodworking hammer or soft-faced hammer. This will prevent damage to the profile. The next step is to eliminate the muntins which are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that separate the glass panes in a shash.
After the muntins are removed, it's easy to replace the broken glass. Use glazing compound to hold the tabs of metal in their slots on the sash.