15 Amazing Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet 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 balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the right tools and persistence.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. Suggested Web site is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.