14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.
One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.
You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.
Going On this site is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance 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 improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.