Five Killer Quora Answers To Sash Window Repair

More inspiring ideas may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to help balance her window.
Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.
Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 been accumulating. Make sure you use 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 using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available in most home improvement stores, or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.
If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.
Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.
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 a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need 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 complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.
Decay
The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.
It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.
It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.
A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.
This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off 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 could be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.