20 Fun Informational Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a storm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower 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 usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although 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 can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first thing to do 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). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
window repair
As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. 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.
A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets 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 or ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.