This Is The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's 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 up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows are sash and 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 very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed window repairs glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.