Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal however they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the Window Doctor if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will require the help of a professional most often.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window replacement. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean 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). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, window doctor will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the window replacement sash are needed.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. 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 draughts.