14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.
A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 away any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to block the sash cable could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.
A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.
Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.
Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.
As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.
Decay
The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.
Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.
It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. window repairs will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.
A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
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 cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce 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 draughts.