14 Questions You Shouldnt Be Uneasy To Ask Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better glide. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call 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 use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make 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 available at most hardware shops. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. window repairs will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It could 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" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will need to be replaced.
A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. read this could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.