Is Technology Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. window and door repairs can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down 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. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then 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 in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.