Why We Our Love For Sash Window Repair (And You Should Also!)
Why We Our Love For Sash Window Repair (And You Should Also!)
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 discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during a storm and you'll lose your view. 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 fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off 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 during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if 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 a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash window and door repair windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.