How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to 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 window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep into the window repairs near me and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, Window Repairs but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal 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 that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check 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 drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.