15 Surprising Stats About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will set each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.
One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better 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 still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. Read the Full Write-up can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly 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 block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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 on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.
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As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.
Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.
A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might 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. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.