Why We Love Sash Window Repair And You Should Too

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If upvc windows repair is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most of the time.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. 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 simple to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution 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. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include 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 addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good thing is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. 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, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.