20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. This is neither optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by 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 window repair that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of instances.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
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-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease 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 sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.