Technology Is Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse?
Technology Is Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse?
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. 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 case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and cause damage to the here frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.