5 Tools Everyone In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Utilizing
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe window repair Streatham using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer 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 film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, 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. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required 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 assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.