What's Holding Back The Sash Window Repair Industry?
What's Holding Back The Sash Window Repair Industry?
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most of the time.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent 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 on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the window and door repair pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.