10 Myths Your Boss Has Concerning Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and window Repairs lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window repairs stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then 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 caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy 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 surrounding your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.