Hugh Leichhardt asked 4 months ago
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It’s a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They’ll shake during a storm and you’ll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, window repair but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn’t easy to fix and you’ll need to call in a professional the majority times.
If a pin isn’t falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it’s a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won’t have remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you’ve used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you’ll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It’s a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows’ life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It’s less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren’t damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood on the frame’s sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they’re painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren’t balanced, the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the upvc window repair or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs near me repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it’s the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.