Five Tools That Everyone In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be …

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the upvc window repair near me frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, window repair or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off 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). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or window repair paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

As time passes 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 assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of 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 any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.