14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.
If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent solution. 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. upvc window repairs could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could need to be removed 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 that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow 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'll likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your 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 windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.
This issue can be fixed by removing 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. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.