Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps 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 will set each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

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

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes 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 particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. 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 on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash string, 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 could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats 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, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and window repair then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window repairs that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.