20 Things You Must Be Educated About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Take the caulking off of 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. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops 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. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.
A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This 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 wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood rot.
Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.
The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. upvc windows repair could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.
Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.
A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve 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 decrease draughts.