20 Things You Must Be Educated About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start 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 to employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority times.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an tool.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. Full Statement 's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After 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's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.