10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can 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 ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority often.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem 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 which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window repair. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the Upvc Door Repairs Near Me and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, upvc door repairs near me and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and 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 a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.