Do You Know How To Explain Sash Window Repair To Your Boss

Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazed window repairs-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window repairs.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or Window Repairs pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.