Five Tools That Everyone In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Using
Five Tools That Everyone In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Using
Blog Article
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.
Pam will lay each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay door repair is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.