20 Things You Should Know About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority times.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window repairs where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your upvc window repairs near me draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are 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 to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.