15 Surprising Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner 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. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most times.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into 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. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include 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 fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.
First, take off 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 next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets 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 apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. Suggested Web page will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. window repairs could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.