This Is The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair
This Is The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most cases.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart 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 cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to strip 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 position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good window repair quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve 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 improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.