What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll 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 a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do 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 at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly 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 with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion glazing repairs near me will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.