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 get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by 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 off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and window and door repairs near me the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve 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.