11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through 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 away any paint that's built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a general refurbishment you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's 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 decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In double glazing Potters Bar , this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can 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 be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.