Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 More Ways Of Saying Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to 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 reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most of the time.
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 restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. 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 provide an excellent level of performance for many years. 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 rot.
window repair near me of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.