How To Save Money On Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. window repair Bishops Stortford 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 she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from 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 use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. It is available in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
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. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able 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 during winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
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 a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally 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.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces 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 down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.