Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, 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, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy costs can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 off any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

You can use a wood softener if 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 to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window repairs's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning 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 the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident 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 replacement or resealing of sash window components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.