15 Shocking Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below 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 glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once window repair is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.