20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.
Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.
The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.
The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. window repairs near me could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.