20 Things You Should Be Educated About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out 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 she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window repair near me frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops 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. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and window repair wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.