The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled 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 could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take 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. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent 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 applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. window repairs near me can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal 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 side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.