So , You've Purchased Sash Window Repair ... Now What?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan 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
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although window repair near me is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.