The Top Reasons Why People Succeed Within The Sash Window Repair Industry
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep 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 puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of sash window components.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.