15 Astonishing Facts About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push 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 is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must 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. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become 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 towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. window repairs can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of 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 reduce the possibility of draughts.