10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by 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 been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood softener 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 take it off completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do 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 location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.Uk which permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once 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 ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.