Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck 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 an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash windows repair's weights inside the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, sash window repair and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.