The Advanced Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to balance her window.
Pam beds each pane 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.
Sashes that stick Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority often.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly 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 in the event that you want to open the window.
Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.
A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. window repairs could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.
The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.
As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of sash window components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.
This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.