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Is Technology Making Sash Window Repair Better Or Worse? Sash Window Repair Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced. Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and perseverance. A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it. If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this. Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often. If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use. A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can 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 option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window. Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed. As window repairs of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance. Decay If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot. The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry. First, take off any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay. It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window. Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement. Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced. A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset. This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.