5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong Concerning Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.
If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.
Another possible reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority times.
If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. 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 foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.
A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.
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 draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.
The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
In window repairs at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
One common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.