The Best Way To Explain Sash Window Repair To Your Boss
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.
Use a wood hardener in the event that 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, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on 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 can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of window sash components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.