10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Concerning Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. window repairs could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.