An EasyToFollow Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.
A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of cases.
You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.
Draughts
Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling 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 need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.
Read Alot more can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.
The majority of the issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the wood dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.
In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.
Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will have to be replaced.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.