7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in 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 fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact 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. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window, making 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. They are efficient however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. 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
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to more info the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.