Are You Making The Most You Sash Window Repair?
Are You Making The Most You Sash Window Repair?
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen 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 swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make more info sure the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.