10 Misconceptions That Your Boss May Have Concerning Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the proper tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in 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 quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically 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 frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components 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 worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around 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 sash's operation and also reduce draughts.