This Is A Sash Window Repair Success Story Youll Never Remember
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a general renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After window repairs has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. source for this article can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.
