10 Things Everybody Hates About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. 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 used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and Sash Window Repair must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, repair timber windows improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and repair windows also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could 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 also reduce the possibility of draughts.
