This Is The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. window repair hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.
Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.
Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.
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 an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.