This Is The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so 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 wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, take off 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 side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. 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 an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. window repair Marlow will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.