Then You've Found Your Sash Window Repair ... Now What?
Then You've Found Your Sash Window Repair ... Now What?
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to 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 costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved 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. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem 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 into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have 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 provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and check here recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.