20 Resources To Make You More Efficient At Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will bed 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.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
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 blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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 take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be solved by taking the sash off 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 placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.