Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Ways Of Saying Sash Window Repair
Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Ways Of Saying Sash Window Repair
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Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority of the time.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and 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 reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary 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 "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have window repair near me water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.