Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart 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. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to get in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your 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 that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and replaced determine if any upvc repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.