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 could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps 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 puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. 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 on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs 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 general refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and double glazing repair sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove 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 partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.