14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Sash Window Repair
14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Sash Window Repair
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can 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. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from 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 could have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting 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 involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the upvc window repairs opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple 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 sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.