Why We Love Sash Window Repair (And You Should, Too!)
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. window repair near me helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified by using the proper tools and persistence.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic 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 lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.