Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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 helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

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

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and window repair put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

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 great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct 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 the issues you will face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.