The Top 5 Reasons Why People Are Successful In The Sash Window Repair Industry
The Top 5 Reasons Why People Are Successful In The Sash Window Repair Industry
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with 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 use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, remove 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will 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 improve the operation of the sash and lessen window and door repair near me draughts.