9 Signs That You're The Sash Window Repair Expert
9 Signs That You're The Sash Window Repair Expert
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed 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 the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem here with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.