Are You Getting The Most From Your Sash Window Repair?
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Acton double glazing repair is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 been accumulating. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. 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 jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority often.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help 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 they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more 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 be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.