Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope 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 double glazing window repairs-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and repaired then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

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

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, repaired but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

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 used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to remove any paint off 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). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking off 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 a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.