15 Reasons Why You Shouldnt Be Ignoring Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.
Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to 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 away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.
Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.
Gapseal is a more permanent 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 used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.
Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.
A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.
Decay
The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.
The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.
First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights should be removed. click here. are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.
It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.
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 may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.
It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.
A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.
The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.