15 Astonishing Facts About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this at the 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 it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time 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 with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine 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 are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.