10 Reasons That People Are Hateful Of Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, Window Repairs cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make 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. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must 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 repairs.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood 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 meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on 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 any sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
double glazed window repairs and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.
