15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair
15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping 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 rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary 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 which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A here draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.