20 Fun Informational Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be 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, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.
A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.
If a pin hasn't fallen 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, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by window repairs , cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to remove 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 placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could 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 in the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.