The Best Way To Explain Sash Window Repair To Your Boss

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
window repairs can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.