15 Interesting Hobbies That Will Make You More Successful At Sash Wind…

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even 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 in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. 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. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. 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.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and fitters apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for fitters a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep into 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. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. 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. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.