20 Resources That Will Make You Better At Sash Window Repair
20 Resources That Will Make You Better At Sash Window Repair
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of 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 scrunch it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to door repair come. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.