Sash window repairs Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, 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 covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it’s a nightmare. They’ll shake during storms, and you’ll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window repairs stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that’s built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You’ll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn’t easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most of the time.
If a pin isn’t falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it’s a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won’t have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they’ll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you’ll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and Window Repairs the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It’s less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren’t damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame’s side that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they’re fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash’s weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced – an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window’s seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows’ sash could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If it’s the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again – or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk 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 box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.