20 Things You Need To Know About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing double glazing repair Oldham from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed 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 sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.