Five Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. 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 using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If window repairs near me is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.