9 Signs That You're A Sash Window Repair Expert
9 Signs That You're A Sash Window Repair Expert
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. 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 away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways 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. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid 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 particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
First, remove 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). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible check here to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation 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 may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.