What's Holding Back The Sash Window Repair Industry?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a 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 wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, clean 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). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and window repair apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.