Five Tools Everybody In The Sash Window Repair Industry Should Be Using

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught 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 possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most times.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
sources tell me can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance 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 sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.