15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
First, remove 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 position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.