This Is The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung upvc window repair becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for lock the long term 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 all the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive 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, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be 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 resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the 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 will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.