What's Holding Back The Sash Window Repair Industry?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky 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 use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window replacement.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber 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 the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent 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 misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of Window doctor sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window doctor near me to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.