Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it’s an absolute nightmare. You’ll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. A window that’s too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it’s snapped. If this is the case, you’ll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you’ll need to call an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn’t fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it’s a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It’s a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you’ll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
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. There are some ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you’ll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it’s a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to open the window repairs again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. 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 the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and fix increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It’s less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that your windows’ sash frames aren’t beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring 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 identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The «pocket covers» are tiny pieces of wood on the frame’s side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash’s weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they’re not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when double glazing near me and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash’s or ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash’s box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.