20 Things You Should Know About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.
The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent 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 pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. window glass repair near me can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.