Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts 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 helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get 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 by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around 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. The sash must be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied 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 can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist 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 a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.