The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available 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 an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect 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 consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used 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 can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, clean 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 location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. window repair near me can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.