What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts 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, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering 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 regularly because the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting 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 by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats 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 dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (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 that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.
