5 Tools That Everyone In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Utilizing
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. window repairs Whitstable hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first step is to clean 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, will need to be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off 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 be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.