10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Regarding Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After 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 tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.
Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A common sash [1] window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.