A Step-By-Step Guide To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority of the time.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. window repairs is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.