Are You Getting The Most Value Of Your Sash Window Repair?
Are You Getting The Most Value Of Your Sash Window Repair?
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the upvc window repairs sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.