10 Myths Your Boss Has Concerning Sash Window Repair
10 Myths Your Boss Has Concerning Sash Window Repair
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start 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 sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most of the time.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over 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.
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 an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could more info pose an hazard to fire. The sash has more info to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct website any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber here dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and get more info apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.