14 Misconceptions Common To Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass repair, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane 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.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most instances.
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 aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door repairman and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair window wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to upvc windows to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash repair a door issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.