Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly 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. On the other hand, a window that’s too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it’s snapped. You’ll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you’ll have to call a professional most often.
If a pin doesn’t fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it’s recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It’s a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you’ll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you’ll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window repairs near me frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
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 good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash’s movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It’s much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you’ll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you’ll likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Additionally, with 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 resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash’s the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash’s sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.