Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and Glazing may be a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off 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). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. 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 is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.