Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window 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 piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window repairs, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and glazed the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to remove 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 that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become 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 necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing repairs glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.