The Biggest Problem With Window Repair, And How You Can Resolve It
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can become severely damaged over time. Cosmetic damage could require a replacement. However, functional problems such as draughts or rattles are signs that a sash window requires to be repaired.
Steam the sash to loosen it. Take off the wood pegs using pin punch and hammer. Make sure to identify and label all parts to ensure that they can be replaced properly in the future.
Broken or rotten timber
If left unattended, rotting wood can cause damage to the brickwork around the window and damage the plaster. It's good to know that this problem can often be corrected without replacing the window.
The first thing to be taken care of is to ensure that the wood in the question is dry. It is crucial to check the grain and color of the wood to determine if it is solid and not affected by damp. If the wood appears soft and brown it's likely that it has rot. Make sure that the sash's place is held by a number spliced pieces of timber and if they aren't damp.
Moisture that is trapped in the corners of sash frames is another frequent issue. If this is the case, it can cause sash frames to bind and become difficult to open. To resolve this issue clean the sash channel and remove any obstruction using the sharp edge of a chisel. Once the sash channels are free of debris, they can be primed to avoid future problems with damp.
It's also worth examining the timber used to construct the window frame. It is recommended to use wood that is similar in grain pattern and colour to the existing wood pieces, otherwise it can be difficult to mix the joins. You might also want to think about using a wood preserver, which can aid in keeping the wood in good shape and prevent rot.
If the wood in your sash windows is severely damaged and rotten, it might be a good idea to think about replacing it completely. If you decide to replace it you should select the replacement that has the same design as your existing windows, to ensure it will be as attractive when it's installed in your home. Choosing UPVC over timber for instance, can lower the value of your home as prospective buyers might think you're going against the old design.
Faulty Sash Hardware
A sash window is made to glide effortlessly, but often wood rot and other issues can impact its functionality. A window that isn't functioning properly can also cause drafts in the home, and also an increase in energy efficiency. If you do not keep a sash-window in a secure location, it will wear out faster. This can shorten its lifespan significantly and could cause water or moisture infiltration.
When a sash window isn't functioning properly it can be frustrating and difficult to determine the source of the problem. The good news is that in many situations, a replacement of the sash could be the solution. The issue could be due to decaying timber, misalignment or an imbalance of the sash, or even broken glass replacement of one or both windows may aid in solving the issue.
Replacing just one window sash can be less costly than replacing the frame and glass. It's also a much simpler project than installing new double-hung windows, which require a larger number of trims and components to be removed. You can start by visually inspecting your existing window and frame if you want to replace the sash. There may be gaps and inconsistencies that could lead to the sash to tilt and prevent it from remaining up.
In most cases, it is possible to repair the double-hung sash by cutting off the trim and working from the inside of the frame. First, you must remove the interior sash stop which creates a track within the window at the bottom. Spray a hose of water on the paint surface and lightly mist it. Then, you can pry the stop off using an utility blade. You can then use a razor blade to cut off any nail heads protruding from the side of the stop.
If the home you live in doesn't have an access hole, you can create a new access hole by cutting a rectangular cut in the jamb liners of vinyl to the height of the stile for the sash. If yours does not have one, you can make an additional hole by cutting a rectangle from the vinyl jamb liner to the height of the stile.
Sash Weights That Aren't Working
The two weights that pull the sash up and down may become disconnected from each other in time, resulting in the sash becoming jammed, or stuck in an open position. This is caused by damaged or worn-out sashcords that need to be replaced.
In the course of this repair, it's important to place dust sheets everywhere it is possible to stop any dirt or debris from getting into your carpet or furniture. This is important, especially in the event that you intend to lift or move the window while working.
When the sash is completely free Begin by carefully taking off the staff bead on the opposite side of the window frame with a thin wide chisel. You will notice an incline running along each side of the sash. It eventually ends with the knot hole, which is where the new cord for the sash will be positioned. Remove any knots on the old cord nailed or glued into the hole.
Now you're ready to start replacing the sash cords starting with the top sash. To do this begin by lowering the sash gently until it hits the bottom sill. Support it with an elongated piece of wood either side of the frame. Otherwise it could fall on the floor, breaking the glass.
Then, remove the access panel from the frame and then retrieve the sash cable and sashweight. Once you have the sash weight removed, remove the dado from the wood's edge and insert the nail to secure it. Make sure you choose a nail that's long enough to reach the sash pocket otherwise it won't be able to fit.
Once you have placed the weight on the sash, you can replace the sash by putting the cord through the hole. Then, you can push the sash onto the rails, and down into the windowbox and check the way it opens and closes. If needed, add more lubrication on the rails (we recommend silicone spray for vinyl or candle wax for wooden sashes).
If you're replacing both cords, make sure they are the same length as the original ones were in order that when you remove one from its pin it will fall easily through the sash until it lands on the pulley, and then function normally. After the sash has been re-hung, you can then reattach the stop beads, and your sash is complete!
Glass damaged
A broom, a baseball or a stone that is put out by a lawnmower can be enough to break the glass. Broken windows allow water, snow, rain and insects to get into the home. In some cases the damage caused by broken glass could require a complete window replacement. Installing new windows is a costly and time-consuming home improvement task. In most cases, replacing damaged window panes is an easier and less costly option.
Before attempting to install new glass, it's important to ensure that you thoroughly inspect the existing sash. upvc window repairs is a chance to find any previously unnoticed areas where the wood is beginning to rot or where old glue, weather stripping and hardware have degraded. Making the effort to conduct this check will prevent you from having to do more work in the future.
After you have removed the glass, it is recommended to get the wood coated with homemade wood preserver. Mix equal parts mineral spirits and linseed to create the wood preservative. Apply the mixture using a putty knife to the surface of sash, and allow it to dry completely. This will ensure that the new glass and sash are resistant to water and will last for a long time.
If the sash is in good shape it is possible to fix it without taking off the glass. The first step is to take off the window stop, which is a vertical piece of wood located above the stiles of the window frame. The window stop is held in place by a tiny pry-bar positioned over the putty blade, which is a sharp blade. After the stop is removed, it's possible to split the stiles and rails using a soft-faced mallet or woodworking hammer to avoid damaging the shape of the sash. The next step is to take out the muntins. They are the vertical and horizontal pieces of wood that separate each pane of glass inside a sash.
After the muntins have been removed, it's easy to replace the glass that has been broken. Insert the metal tabs of each new pane into their slots in the sash, and then use glazing compound to hold them securely in their place.