15 Surprising Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts to help balance her window.
Pam will lay each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.
Sticking Sashes
It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.
A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.
Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.
Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.
A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.
If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with usage.
A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.
Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.
As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.
Decay
If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.
The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.
It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.
Poor Security
Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.
As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.
Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.
A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing window repairs and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance 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 enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.