How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket 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 rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not 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 an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.