Five Killer Quora Answers On Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.
A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly 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 available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If you could try these out , there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.
Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then 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 quite costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.
As part of a comprehensive overhaul it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.
It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.
A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.