What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.
One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.