15 Reasons Not To Overlook Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.
If click through the next page isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips 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.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
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. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.