Are The Advances In Technology Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. 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 internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
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 used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. Southend double glazing repairs can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
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 usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from 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 position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. 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 also reduce draughts.