10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches 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 that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the upvc window repairs stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.
