11 Creative Methods To Write About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts to ensure that her upvc window repair near me is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of 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 are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll 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 the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance 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 break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window repair near me, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed window repairs near me windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.