Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window repairs becomes stuck and window repairs shatters, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.

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 repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose risky for 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 better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove 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 that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.