Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double glazing windows repairs-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it’s an absolute nightmare. They’ll rattle in the event of a storm and you’ll lose view. A window that’s too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that’s built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You’ll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you’ll have to call a professional most often.
If a pin hasn’t fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it’s a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It’s a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you’ll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren’t balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they’ll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash local window repair frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window’s lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren’t necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct 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 many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, Sash Window repair but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame’s side that permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn’t be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren’t properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent 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 timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window’s components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.