The Underrated Companies To Follow In The Sash Window Repair Industry
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to 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. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and 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 smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft 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.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window repairs becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.