15 Shocking Facts About Sash Window Repair
15 Shocking Facts About Sash Window Repair
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. 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, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring window repair that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.
Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, clean 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 side that permit access to the weights must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.