14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied 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 strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that 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 down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can 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 sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.