14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and 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-based lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.
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. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are 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. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If more resources are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.