Why We Do We Love Sash Window Repair And You Should Also

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. It is available at many 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 could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll 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, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing 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 hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any 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 that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.