10 Things Everybody Hates About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.
Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.
If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. repair windows can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing the 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 are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.
First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.
This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.