So , You've Bought Sash Window Repair ... Now What?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, double glazing Maidstone with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as 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 evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.