Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 More Methods For Saying Sash Window Repair
Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 More Methods For Saying Sash Window Repair
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
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
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set 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 lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught 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 cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
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 sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition 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.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent window and door repairs further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.