10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Regarding Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.
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 helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off 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.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority of the time.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can 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 fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, clean 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). The next step is 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 parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If window repairs near me balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.