14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Sash Window Repair
14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Sash Window Repair
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the duration of website your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely 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 a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.