What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of 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 an expert in the majority of cases.
Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the glazing repairs timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease 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 the possibility of draughts.