Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and window repair is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to 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 will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove 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 partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed window repairs glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease draughts.