5 Tools Everyone Involved In Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Using
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. 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 one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.
You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
window repair Chesham that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once 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 as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
As time passes 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 consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.