What is a window sash?
It is the moveable part of a window and it holds the glass panes in place. Basically it is a framework which is rectangular or square in shape and remains fitted into the frame of the window. Sash windows come in different varieties, like single hung, double hung, casement and sliding, etc.
What does a sash window look like?
Typically the two main parts of a window are the frame and the sash. The key component of a window frame is the window sash. The window sash holds the glass pane in place. The framework is either square or rectangular in shape and can be opened, closed or tilted to facilitate ventilation as well as access to the outside.
What make a window sash so important?
A window sash is the key component of any window and it performs a lot of tasks which include the following –
- It holds the glass panes in place and provides overall stability to the entire structure.
- Regulates flow of air – You can open, close and even tilt the sashes to facilitate the flow of natural light and air.
- Prevents drafts and leaks – These are designed to be airtight so you can easily keep drafts and air leaks out. This makes your indoor even more energy efficient.
- Aesthetic upgrade – Sash windows contribute heavily in upgrading the aesthetics of any building.
- It even influences the durability and performance of any window, explain professionals who provide the service of uPVC sash window repair in London. If a window sash is not properly working then you better be prepared for problems like leaks and drafts.
Now that we have some clear idea about sash windows let us get into some easy repair tips of the range of commodity.
First take the sash out
How do you take the sash out safely without any damage? Here are the tips for that – start with unscrewing any security fitting which is placed in front of the lower sash. Before you pull out the lower sash you have to clear away the staff beads. You also have to take out the chains and the cords from the both sides. Do not forget knotting the cords including the top sash one. This prevents them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. You have to remove the parting beads which are basically vertical strips of wood that holds the upper sash. Now you have to pull out the upper sash while taking off the cords and the chains. It is also important removing the sash hardware and better store it at some safe place before moving ahead on your mission.
Time to free the glass
Make use of a heat gun to soften any old hardened filler or putty. You need a putty knife to scrape the putty away. Now as you remove the glass just label it immediately. This labelling is helpful for future so you will easily make out which pane goes with which frame.
The joints need to be cleaned out
A rotary tool like Dremel proves helpful at this stage point out professionals who are trained in large uPVC sash windows repairing. There could be any soft or rotten wood at the point where sash joints are open or loose. Remove those pieces with the tool.
Application of the Epoxy
In order to rebuild the cleaned out joints you have to first brush on Ex poxy High Build. Once applying allow it about 20 minutes to set in. Mix two parts of epoxy into a mixture using a plastic scraper or any other tool. In the next step force the mixture into the joint; you also need to spread the mix over the sides to restore the actual shape of the joints. Once this is done you have to allow it to set for which about 4 hours are required. In the last step you trim down the excesses using a knife.
Time to prime the sash
The epoxy gets fully cured in about 24 hours and when it is tacky not any more just sand the sash with your hand using sandpaper. Once sanding is done use a damp piece of cloth to wipe away all the dust. A coat of primer is the best way to seal the wood. Just make sure this is done before application of putty. There is a potential problem if the primer coat is not provided before applying the putty. In absence of the primer coat the wood sucks all the oil present in the putty and as a result the putty turns brittle very fast, explain professionals who provide uPVC sash window repair in London over the years.
Bedding the glass is the next step
You have to lay the sash exterior in side up approach and you need multipurpose putty for the purpose. Roll the putty into the shape of a long sausage between the hands, then place it into the glazing rebate, again using your hands. You have to press the pane gently and evenly into the putty; at one point of time the pane beds into the putty and there is a back bedding of at least 1 to 2 mm throughout. This secures the pane mechanically using metal clips or springs. You have to apply fronting putty further and so you must keep rolling putty into the shape of a long sausage. Now apply the putty at the point where the glass and the glazing rebate meet each other. You have to trim the excess putty off on the internal glazing up-stand.
Time to hang the sash back in place
If the draught proofing on the sash window is old enough you have to replace it then. If there is no draught proof then you have to add it to your window for obvious reasons. Ready to use, self- adhesive like Reddi pile Weatherstrip is an ideal option in these situations. You can use this product to meet the rail, as well as the top and the bottom sashes, suggest professionals working at the renowned Glazing Works London. It is also suitable to use on the frame sides to prevent rattling. Now you are left with cleaning and reattaching the sash furniture and lubricating the pulley axles with pulley oil. It is important to reattach the chains or cords to the upper sash although you may replace those with new ones too if you want.
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