5 Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window repairs becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window repairs without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting 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 that allow access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.
