14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will bed each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be corrected by using the right tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window 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 can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a stronger 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 applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every 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 string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.
The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
window repairs is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.