What Will Sash Window Repair Be Like In 100 Years?
What Will Sash Window Repair Be Like In 100 Years?
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. 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 uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to 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 imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide 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 to rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to window repairs be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.