11 Strategies To Completely Redesign Your 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 keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied 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.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
double glazed window repairs and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.