Whats Holding Back The Sash Window Repair Industry

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both 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 that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are supplemental resources to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. 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 over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low 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 will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off 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 with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.