Five Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the 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 on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window repair near me components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.