Five Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window repairs near me. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. 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 in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. 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. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove 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 placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the 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 less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a upvc window repairs which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and window repair it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.
