Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be corrected with the right tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to use 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 apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. It is available in many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also addressing any minor window Repairs timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the upvc window repairs for weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double glazed window repairs and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.